Tenants: Proving Internet Outages in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, recurring internet outages can cause serious problems, for example when remote work, studies or essential communication are affected. This practical guide shows how to document outages, secure evidence and respond quickly in urgent proceedings before the local court. We explain which proofs matter — logs, screenshots, provider emails — and how to set deadlines, use forms and claim possible rent reductions against the landlord. The language remains clear; the article covers concrete steps, which authorities and courts are responsible and which legal bases (e.g. BGB) play a role.^[1] Read on for examples, form templates and tips for communicating with your provider.

What to do now

Act systematically: quick contact, complete documentation and clear deadlines increase your chances in urgent proceedings.

• Contact the provider immediately and note the time, date and duration of each outage.
• Collect evidence: logs, screenshots of connection failures, speed tests and provider emails.
• Set deadlines for the provider and landlord in writing and request a binding error confirmation.
• Inform the landlord in writing (email or registered letter) and document the notice as a basis for rent reduction or a claim.
• Prepare a file for the local court: all evidence, chronology of the outage and your correspondence.

Securing evidence in detail

Use multiple types of evidence: automatic logs, repeated speed tests and written correspondence. Pay attention to timestamps and save files unchanged. Provider responses are important because they can show duty to inform.

• Secure automatic logs or router records with timestamps.
• Save multiple speed tests and screenshots.
• Document calls with date, time and contact person and, if possible, confirm by email.

FAQ

Can I claim rent reduction because of internet outage?

Possibly yes, if the use of the dwelling is significantly impaired; the legal basis is §§ 535 ff. of the BGB.^[1]

How quickly must I act if the internet fails?

Set deadlines with the provider and landlord immediately and document everything; clear, timely proof matters in urgent proceedings.

Which court is competent?

In most cases, tenancy disputes are first heard by the local court (Amtsgericht).^[3]

How-To

1. Collect: Arrange all logs, screenshots, speed tests and provider emails in chronological order.
2. Set a deadline: Send a written deadline to the provider and landlord and state the deadline clearly.
3. Prepare forms: Draft a short statement for the local court and attach all evidence.
4. Contact: Reach out to relevant authorities or legal advice and file documents with the local court.^[2]
5. Court hearing: Bring a chronology and copies of all evidence to the hearing and have originals available.

Help and Support / Resources

• § 535 BGB — Gesetze im Internet
• ZPO — Code of Civil Procedure — Gesetze im Internet
• Court information — justiz.de

1. [1] § 535 BGB — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] ZPO — Zivilprozessordnung — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Amtsgericht – Information auf justiz.de